YES in THE HEIGHTS Program

• Participants are assigned a Faculty Mentor who will guide their summer research. The Faculty Mentor will be from a discipline, or involved in research, that aligns with the participant’s research interests.
• Participants attend a weekly HICCC Cancer Biology Journal Club where they present and discuss cancer research articles with other HICCC interns.
• Participants build community among their peers in social and networking events.
• Participants will be guided in producing an Individual Development Plan, scientific abstract, and for 2nd years, a scientific oral presentation.
• This is a 2-year program (2 summers).
• Participants will be paid for 8 weeks of full-time work (35 hours/week).

• Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible.
• At least 14 years of age.

• Applicants must be underrepresented in the biomedical workforce as described in the NIH Guidelines. This includes students who are a part of an underrepresented racial and/or ethnic minority group, underrepresented in cancer research (e.g., first generation college student), or economically disadvantaged. 

• Students must be in good standing at their current school and demonstrate a high aptitude and interest in science.
• Trainees should be committed to 8 weeks which are to occur during the summer.
• This program does not provide housing for high school or undergraduate students, so we encourage local applications. Exceptions are universities that have established partnerships with the program.
• Please note: This is a highly competitive program. 1% of high school applicants and 20% of undergraduate applicants were accepted in 2024. We prioritize those from the entire catchment area that HICCC serves as well as those that participated in any HICCC/Columbia University-related events or activities: Scientific Enrichment Month (SEM), Empower the Citizen Lens ON Science through Education (eCLOSE), State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP).

• Undergraduate Scholars: June 2 to July 25, 2025
• High School Scholars: June 30 to August 22, 2025

• Application Opens: November 15, 2024
• Application Due: December 13, 2024
• Decisions Released: February 2025
• Apply here

• February - Acceptance emails are sent.
  • You will have 2 weeks to accept or reject the position. If you do not respond in the 2-week window, your spot will be offered to another applicant.
• March – Onboarding with Columbia University HR (formal application, background checks, work permits, etc.) begins.
• April – Program Orientations are scheduled (calendar invitations sent out).
• May - Mentor matches are released, Program Welcome Packets are sent out, and Program Orientations are held.
• June – Undergrad Scholars start.
• July – High School Scholars start.

What will my schedule look like?

Your schedule will be mainly dictated by your Faculty Mentor. In addition to working with your mentor in their lab, office, or remotely, you will also attend YES in THE HEIGHTS programming and HICCC Cancer Biology Journal Club. Programming varies week to week and the Journal Club takes place on Friday mornings.

What will my research be about?

Your research will be closely, if not completely, related to your Faculty Mentor’s research. You might join an existing project with your mentor or be guided in your own independent research project.

Is housing provided on campus?

This program does not provide housing for high school or undergraduate students, so we encourage local applications. Exceptions are universities that have established partnerships with the program.

I am a graduating high school senior, which group would I be a part of?

You will be considered part of the High School group. Start dates are set to accommodate students’ academic calendar.

I am a graduating college student, can I apply?

Applicants that earn a bachelor’s degree by the start date are not eligible. You must be enrolled in a high school or undergraduate institution for the following Fall semester after the YES summer internship.

Do I get reimbursed for transportation to and from my internship?

No, we do not provide transportation funds to commute to your internship.